A memorial table is something personal and sweet you can decide to include as part of your wedding day decor. It is essentially a table of remembrance where you feature photos of family members or friends who are no longer with us, but who still hold a very special place in your or your significant other’s hearts.

Memorial, or memory tables, have become a pretty big trend among modern day couples. And, people have started to use them in place of or in conjunction with memory chairs at the ceremony.

If this is something you would love to have at your own upcoming Santa Barbara wedding, here are a few tips on how to put it together with ease and some advice on what you should be including.

Consider Who Will Be Included

Typically people include anyone who meant a lot to them earlier in their lives but have since passed on. This is often grandparents, older family members, or any other special connections couples may have.

Make sure both families are represented and include name tags, so everyone can appreciate the photos and understand the relationship to the couple.

Decide on Kinds of Photos and Frames

If you decide to include photos of couples—like your grandma and grandpa, for example—you could use their own wedding photo as a sweet gesture. For others, or if you don’t want to go that route, you could select professional portraits, nice headshots, or even photographs of the couple or family member being active or doing something they loved. It’s important to include images that are lively and happy, since you are all there to celebrate a joyous occasion.

As for frames or how you present the photos, you can really be creative. You can buy or rent frames that match your other decor—something similar to what you used on your welcome or guest book table, for example. You could also place all the photos into one larger frame or collage. It’s really up to you how you want them displayed.

Start Searching for Photos Early

Digging up old photographs can be time-consuming and somewhat tedious—especially since older copies of photos are likely stored away in a physical box and not saved digitally. Give yourself, or your family, ample time to hunt for photos so that you can find the absolute best ones to use and not stress yourself out even more before the big day.

Where Will The Table Be Located

You will also need to think through where you will want to set up the memorial table at the wedding. You could place it next to a welcome table at the ceremony, or it could also live at the reception location close to your guest book and card table.

Wherever you decide to have it, just make sure it’s an area where guests will be traveling to or through at some point so that everyone gets a chance to appreciate it.

Other Trinkets or Decor

Alongside the photos and name tags, couples may also choose to include various meaningful trinkets or pieces of decor on the table. This could simply be a table runner, flowers, or a small sign that says something like “In Loving Memory” or “Wish You Were Here”. Candles are also a popular choice. Some couples will actually light just one candle on the table with a note that reads something like, “This candle burns in loving memory of those who couldn’t be with us today”.

Memorabilia can also adorn the table, such as your grandmother’s locket, maybe a military pin, or any other small keepsake that reminds you of the person.